Mine Health and Safety Grants | Apply Online

Mine Health and Safety Grants (MSHA2014-1, CFDA 17.600) - FAQs

What is the Mine Health and Safety Grants opportunity?

The Mine Health and Safety Grants opportunity (Funding Opportunity Number MSHA2014-1, CFDA 17.600) is a discretionary grant program administered by the U.S. Department of Labor's Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA). It supports state-level efforts intended to improve safety and health conditions in mines through stronger state capacity and closer federal-state coordination.

Which federal agency runs this grant program?

The program is run by the U.S. Department of Labor, Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA).

What is the legal authority for this grant program?

The legal authority is Section 503 of the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977 (the Mine Act). This provision allows MSHA to provide grant funding to states to strengthen mine safety and health efforts through closer coordination between federal and state programs.

What is the main purpose of the grant program?

The program is designed to help state governments develop, improve, and enforce state mining laws and regulations, strengthen state workers' compensation systems, and enhance occupational disease laws and programs related to mining. The practical objective is measurable improvement in mine safety and health outcomes by supporting state capacity, aligning with federal priorities, and encouraging collaborative approaches that reduce accidents, injuries, and long-term occupational illnesses.

How does this opportunity connect to the Secretary of Labor's workforce vision?

It is framed within the Secretary of Labor's broader workforce vision of "Promoting and Protecting Opportunity for All," with a specific emphasis on ensuring that mining jobs are safe and healthy.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligible applicants are limited to state governments. The opportunity is intended to strengthen statewide systems, enforcement approaches, and training infrastructure rather than provide direct funding to private entities.

What types of activities does MSHA want states to support with grant funds?

Based on the announcement description, MSHA intends grant funding to support state efforts such as strengthening state mining laws and enforcement, improving workers' compensation systems relevant to mining, enhancing occupational disease laws and programs, and expanding or improving mining safety and health education and training.

Is training and education a priority for this funding opportunity?

Yes. A major priority is support for state training programs. MSHA describes state-based training and education as a primary pipeline for preparing people who currently work in mines or are about to enter the mining workforce.

Are small mining operations specifically encouraged to be served by training programs?

Yes. MSHA explicitly encourages applicants to direct training resources toward small mining operations, noting that smaller operations often have fewer internal resources and may face higher barriers to accessing high-quality safety and health training.

Does the opportunity encourage training on miners' rights?

Yes. The opportunity highlights training that covers miners' statutory rights, including the right to a safe working environment and the right to refuse unsafe work. This indicates MSHA interest in programs that go beyond technical compliance and ensure miners understand protections and how to exercise them.

What occupational health topics are emphasized?

MSHA encourages education and training tied to occupational health hazards and mining-related diseases, including black lung and silicosis.

Is mine emergency evacuation training part of the focus areas?

Yes. The opportunity calls out the importance of mine emergency evacuation training and drills, including hands-on practice with self-contained self-rescuers (SCSRs), such as donning and transferring the devices.

Is mine rescue team training included as a priority area?

Yes. Mine rescue team training is specifically emphasized, reflecting a focus on readiness for high-consequence incidents where rapid, skilled response can save lives and limit harm.

What is the funding instrument and activity category?

The funding instrument is a grant, and the activity category is education.

How many awards did MSHA anticipate making?

MSHA anticipated making about 50 awards under this opportunity.

What was the estimated total funding amount for this opportunity?

The estimated total funding amount listed for the opportunity is $8,441,000.

Is cost sharing or matching required?

Yes. The listing indicates that cost sharing or matching is required, meaning states should expect to contribute their own resources alongside federal funds as part of the project budget structure.

What were the key dates for this funding opportunity?

The posted date was March 12, 2014. The application closing date was May 30, 2014. The archive date was June 29, 2014.

Where can applicants find additional information about the announcement?

An additional information link is referenced as the "2014 State Grant SGA."

Who is the contact person for questions or to request the full announcement?

The contact listed is Janice Oates, State Grants Program Analyst. Phone: 202-693-9570. Email: oates.janice@dol.gov.

What should applicants do if they have trouble accessing the announcement electronically?

The announcement notes that applicants needing the full announcement or having trouble accessing it electronically can contact Janice Oates using the provided phone number or email address.

Does this program fund private companies or nonprofits directly?

The eligibility information provided limits applicants to state governments, which indicates the program is structured to fund state-level systems and programs rather than provide direct awards to private entities.

What overall outcomes is MSHA aiming for through this program?

The announcement description points to outcomes such as improved mine safety and health conditions, stronger state enforcement and regulatory approaches, better-aligned state programs with federal priorities, and reductions in accidents, injuries, and long-term occupational illnesses through training, education, and coordinated state efforts.